Free Never Ever Leave Me by Elly Grant

I’d be delighted.  I’m about to consult Seher about getting a divorce so I can move on, but I’d love to meet someone decent to spend my life with.”
    “Well, I guess what you’ve never had you never miss.  I personally loved being in the police and my life was very fulfilling.  Everybody’s different I suppose.  Anyway, thank you once again for your very generous gift.  Would you like to come for dinner tomorrow?  It’s Friday and I could get some steak slices from Greggs and a couple of wee trifles.  We coul d have a double measure with our tea,” she said, grinning and holding aloft the whisky bottle.
    “Th anks, that sounds great.  I’ve just bought a fruit cake so I’ll bring in a couple of slices to have with the tea.”
    With the arrangement made both women returned to their homes and Katy felt really happy.  Mentioning to her neighbour about seeking a divorce somehow made it feel real and she was eager to meet up with Seher to set things in motion. The sooner she was free from Gordon, the better.
    …
    Gordon had dreamt up his plan weeks before, but it wasn’t until now he had the means to go forward.  It was a chance meeting in the local supermarket that gave him the information he required.  He recognised Betty, the receptionist from Katy’s former job, immediately, and he quickly engaged her in conversation.
    “I was so sorry to hear about the break-up,” Betty said.  “How are things now?”
    “Great, Betty, really great,” he lied.  “I’ve got a new job and I’m earning good money now.  Katy will be able to stop work and we can start a family.  That’s all she’s ever wanted, but when I was out of work the pressure was awful.”
    The lies rolled off his tongue easily and seamlessly, one after another.
    “So is she coming back from Glasgow, then?” Betty asked.
    “Yes, she’s just got to work her notice at…..sorry I can’t remember the name of the company she’s working for.”
    “McLay and Bell,” Betty offered.
    “Yes that’s it, McLay and Bell.”
    Got you, Gordon thought.  McLay and Bell in Glasgow, you can run but you can’t hide.
    “I’m delighted for you both,” Betty said.  “I always thought you were the ideal couple.”
    “Thank you Betty.  I’m sure Katy will call you when she gets back.”
    Gordon practically skipped home.  In another few weeks he’d complete his community service then he’d pay Katy a visit.  He’d soon sweet talk her into coming back home and this time he’d never let her leave.

 
    CHAPTER 12
     
    Within a few weeks Katy had settled easily into her new position and her new home.  As predicted by the women at the refuge, after she left, she made no contact with any of them.  She was delighted to be able to put the refuge and the part of her life it represented firmly behind her.  Her workplace was friendly and she had an easy rapport with the people employed there.  On the last Friday of every month the boss treated his staff by buying everyone a cream cake to have with their coffees and special events like birthdays were celebrated in the same way.  The business generated enough work to keep everyone busy so all in all the days were free from pressure because everyone’s job was assured.
    Katy’s home life was comfortable too.  She spent time with Seher who’d become more than just an acquaintance.  The two young women often went out together, visiting the high street shops most Saturdays and the cinema every Wednesday evening when they could get two seats for the price of one.  Dinner with Granny Alison had become a weekly event so she wasn’t lonely.
    It was the last Saturday in October and the girls were having coffee in Starbucks in the city centre.  Seher explained to Katy that because she and Gordon had been married at Gretna Green, a romantic whim which seemed ironic now, she could get divorced in Scotland so there would be no need for her to travel back down south.
    “I can simply arrange for